Community Guidelines

1.Community Purpose

Networking Circles is not a promotional WhatsApp group — it's a relationship-first networking community. It exists to help members build relationships, exchange knowledge, create opportunities, and generate referrals. Business happens naturally, through conversations, introductions, referrals, and collaboration — not through broadcasting.

That's why the community runs as two groups with two different jobs: the Main Group, for the conversations that build relationships, and the Promotions Group, where members can freely showcase their products, services, events, and expertise without cluttering the Main Group.

2.The One Question to Ask Before You Post

3.What Belongs Where

Main Group posts invite the community in — they ask a question, request help, or open a conversation. Promotions Group posts primarily showcase your own business, and that's exactly what that group is for.

Educational content about your own expertise — AI tips, wellness, legal or tax updates, marketing or leadership lessons, coaching or inspirational content — is welcome and encouraged. It just belongs in the Promotions Group, because it builds your authority. The Main Group stays focused on networking conversations.

4.Job Opportunities

Hiring posts are welcome in the Main Group — when they're framed as a request for help, not a broadcast.

Instead of "We have a vacancy," try: "We're looking to hire someone. Can anyone in our community recommend a suitable candidate?"

The second version invites introductions and referrals — exactly what the Main Group is for.

5.External Events

Conferences, workshops, seminars, networking events, business conclaves, and trade fairs normally belong in the Promotions Group.

One exception: if you're attending an event and want to know whether other Networking Circles members will be there too, post it in the Main Group — that's a genuine networking opportunity.

6.Replying to Business Enquiries

When someone posts a business enquiry in the Main Group, if you offer that service, reply by direct message rather than publicly — it avoids long sales threads in the group. Public replies are best kept to recommendations, introductions, and clarifying questions that benefit everyone.

7.Community Culture & Etiquette

A few simple habits keep the Main Group warm, useful, and worth checking daily.

Join the Member Directory. Instead of introducing yourself in the group, share your business details through the Member Directory form on the website. Once you submit, you'll receive access to the information shared by other business owners — helping everyone discover relevant connections, referrals, and collaborations. It only takes about 2 minutes.

Give before you ask. Look for opportunities to make introductions, share knowledge, provide referrals, and support fellow members.

Build trust before you pitch. Unsolicited sales messages rarely lead to meaningful relationships. Most people prefer to do business with those they know, like, and trust. Take time to understand fellow members' businesses and look for ways to help first — when there's genuine interest and mutual value, business conversations happen naturally. If you'd like to explore an opportunity, simply ask if they'd be open to the conversation.

Referral requests are welcome. Be specific about who you're looking to connect with and how the community can help. The clearer you are about your ideal client or opportunity, the easier it is for others to support you.

Celebrate wins & express gratitude. Feel free to share collaborations, referrals, testimonials, milestones, and success stories that emerged through the community. Publicly thanking someone for their support helps them feel appreciated and recognized — and shows other members who's actively contributing and worth connecting with.

Keep discussions relevant. Please keep conversations focused on networking, collaboration, referrals, business growth, and supporting one another. Avoid controversial topics like politics and religion that can divide people. If you have a concern or disagreement, reach out directly on WhatsApp or email rishigangoly@gmail.com — addressing concerns privately is often more constructive than discussing them publicly. We also request that members avoid posting birthday wishes and festival greetings in the group, as these can flood notifications as the community grows; personal greetings sent privately are often more meaningful anyway.

Be respectful & inclusive. Different perspectives are welcome. Treat fellow members with kindness, professionalism, and respect.

Community updates. Meeting reminders, schedule changes, important announcements, and Networking Circles updates will be shared by the admins.

Quality over quantity. Meaningful conversations create stronger relationships than constant broadcasting.

8.Build Relationships, Not Broadcasts

Every week after the Networking Circles meeting, members are welcome to share their own WhatsApp group or community link once, together with one or two sentences explaining who the community is for and why members may benefit from joining — so interested members can opt in and keep learning, while the Main Group stays focused on relationship building.

This keeps the Main Group focused on relationship-building, while giving every member room to grow their own following.

9.No Guarantee of Results

Networking Circles does not guarantee referrals, leads, sales, business opportunities, partnerships, revenue, or business outcomes of any kind.

Results depend entirely on individual effort, expertise, follow-up, and market conditions.

Participation is an opportunity to build relationships — not a promise of business.

10.Referral Disclaimer

Any referral, recommendation, introduction, or endorsement made by a member does not constitute a guarantee of quality, performance, integrity, or suitability. A referral simply means one member thought a connection might be valuable — it is not a warranty of any kind.

11.Due Diligence

Members are responsible for conducting their own due diligence before engaging in any business transaction, partnership, investment, purchase, or professional relationship. Verify credentials, agree terms in writing, and satisfy yourself independently before committing.

12.Limitation of Liability

Networking Circles, its founder, moderators, and members shall not be liable for any loss, damages, disputes, missed opportunities, financial losses, contractual disputes, or business outcomes resulting from interactions between members. All dealings between members are entered into at their own risk.

13.Member Conduct

To keep the community safe and welcoming, the following are not permitted:

• Harassment, bullying, or intimidation of any kind.
• Hate speech or discriminatory language.
• Spam, unsolicited bulk messaging, or aggressive self-promotion.
• Misrepresentation of yourself, your business, or your offering.
• Fraudulent, deceptive, or illegal activity.

14.Right to Remove Members

Networking Circles reserves the right to remove any member, without prior notice, whose behaviour is deemed harmful to the community or inconsistent with these guidelines. Membership is a privilege, not a right.

15.Privacy & Contact Information

By participating, you understand and agree that:

• Your information may be shared within the member directory.
• You will not harvest, scrape, or misuse other members' contact details.
• Consent is required before adding anyone to marketing or mailing lists.

For how your personal data is handled more broadly, see our Privacy Policy.

16.AI & Information Disclaimer

Information, advice, strategies, templates, prompts, and recommendations shared within the community — including those relating to AI and ChatGPT — are for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, tax, investment, medical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional before acting on anything shared in the community.

17.Founder Role

Rishi Gangoly acts solely as a community facilitator and connector. He is not a party to agreements, contracts, transactions, or disputes between members, and accepts no responsibility for the conduct or outcomes of dealings between members.

18.Governing Law

These guidelines shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India. Any disputes arising in connection with the community shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Mumbai, Maharashtra. These guidelines supplement — and do not replace — our site-wide Terms of Service.

19.Questions

If anything here is unclear, reach out any time via WhatsApp or email at rishigangoly@gmail.com.

Great communities aren't built by rules alone. They're built by thousands of thoughtful decisions made by members who choose to help one another. Thank you for being part of ours.